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Hundreds could join weekend rally in support of proscribed group as 300 UK Jewish figures urge PM to lift ban

Murdoch family's News Corp will bring a version of the NYC paper to LA with daily newspaper called the California PostNews Corp, part of the Murdoch family media empire, has announced it will bring a version of the brash rightwing New York City tabloid the New York Post to California in early 2026 with the launch of a daily Los Angeles-based newspaper called the California Post.According to New York Post Media Group - a News Corp subsidiary and home of New York's biggest tabloid, as well as Page Six, and Decider - the California Post will look and feel similar to its New York counterpart, delivering reporting, sports coverage and celebrity gossip from a California perspective. Continue reading...

Former general secretary was one of the main party figures during the New Labour eraKeir Starmer has led tributes after the death of former Labour party general secretary Tom Sawyer.He said the former trade unionist's place in our party's history is assured" as one of the leading figures in the build-up to the 1997 general election success. Continue reading...

Downing Street indicates that further hostage releases are not required for move to go ahead next monthGeorge Finch, the Reform UK leader of Warwickshire county council, goes next. (Aged 19, he is the youngest council leader in the country.)He claims the police have opposed his attempts to expose the immigration status of someone arrested in connection with an alleged crime.It was dirty, run down and had major drug issues. My attitude to the task was assertive and no nonsense. That's the approach that I will take for my role within Reform UK [advising on crime]. Continue reading...

Sums awarded to Nicola Shaw being assessed to ensure they comply with rules banning bonuses to chief executivesThe water regulator is scrutinising payments worth 1.3m made to the boss of Yorkshire Water via an offshore parent company, after the Guardian revealed the existence of the extra money.A government spokesperson said that Ofwat, the watchdog for England and Wales, would assess" the payments to the utility's chief executive, Nicola Shaw, to ensure they complied with rules banning bonuses for water company bosses. Continue reading...

Obituary read on air as tribute paid to TV and radio broadcaster who had stage four kidney cancerThe TV and radio presenter James Whale has died at the age of 74, TalkTV has announced.His colleague and friend Mike Graham read an obituary on air and paid tribute to Whale, who had stage four kidney cancer. Continue reading...

London demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries to protest proscription of group under terrorism laws

Weather warnings issued in northern England and Scotland as heavy rain and strong gusts lash Britain

KPMG says higher savings rates are fuelling move to challenger banks, specialist lenders and building societiesHigh street banks across the UK have lost the equivalent of 100bn in savings as more customers turned from traditional lenders towards online banks and building societies, figures show.Experts at KPMG said rival banks - including new challenger banks, specialist lenders and building societies - had lured customers away from incumbent banking groups with higher savings rates. The traditional banks' market share in deposits dropped from 84% in 2019 to 80% in 2024, it added. Continue reading...

Soap star wins as her 32-year run playing Irene Roberts ends, while streamers go home mostly empty-handed and Magda Szubanski gives emotional speech as she is inducted into the Hall of Fame

Protests continue against default lower limit in urban areas that supporters say is working exactly as intended'A few weeks ago, two groups of protesters gathered on the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. One demonstration was against the war in Gaza, the other against the Welsh government's two-year-old default 20mph speed limit in urban areas.The change from 30mph was brought in by the Welsh Labour government across about 35% of the country's roads in September 2023, at a cost of 34m. The reduced speed limit applied to any built-up area, defined as roads where lamp-posts were no more than about 180 metres apart. Continue reading...

Pontiff presides over culmination of Catholic Woodstock' that drew young people from 146 countriesPope Leo XIV presided over a mass in Rome for more than a million young people on Sunday, the culmination of a pilgrimage that has drawn Catholics from across the world.Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less," the pope told the crowd. Continue reading...

Labour minister calls Michael Croft's behaviour despicable' and says at least one other friend was targeted sexuallyThe MP Chris Bryant has said he was sexually abused as a teenager by the head of the National Youth Theatre, Michael Croft.The Labour MP, who is an arts and telecoms minister, said he was 16 when he was abused by Croft, who was around 40 years his senior and died in 1986.Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html Continue reading...

Film tourists, market traders and residents react as council imposes traffic control measures on famous London streetIf Richard Curtis had shot his romcom classic Notting Hill over the past month, things might have turned out very differently.Julia Roberts would have had to stumble past huge concrete blocks while losing the hand of her British sweetheart and Hugh Grant might have missed his departing lover as he struggled to exit the area in an overstuffed Peugeot 406. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Data reveals invisible crisis' with millions yet to have first specialist appointment or diagnostic testAlmost half of the 6 million people needing treatment from the NHS in England have had no further care at all since joining a hospital waiting list, new data reveals.Previously unseen NHS England figures show that 2.99 million of the 6.23 million patients (48%) awaiting care have not had either their first appointment with a specialist or a diagnostic test since being referred by a GP. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Letter to water company sets out demands, including resolving most severe cases of pollutionThames Water should claw back 2.5m in bonuses that were paid to executives in April, 27 Labour MPs representing constituencies served by the utility have urged.The MPs said it was disgusting" that the company was hiking water bills to pay for executives' failings when those same executives were receiving multimillion-pound bonuses". Continue reading...

Torrential rain batters Beijing and surrounding areas, while intense heat lingers in parts of ScandinaviaAt least 70 people have died in northern China after another bout of torrential rain triggered flooding, the latest in a series of extreme rainfall events in recent months. Between 23 and 29 July, Beijing and its surrounding areas recorded an average of 166mm, equivalent to the monthly norm.The suburban district of Miyun received the highest amount of rainfall, with 543mm recorded, equivalent to the region's annual average. The death toll included 31 people in a Miyun care home, 10 who were swept away in a minibus in Shangxi province, and eight people in a landslide in the city of Chengde. Continue reading...

Architects of Uluru Statement criticise government over lack of progress on Closing the Gap in the absence of a voice to parliament

The execution of Edward Zakrzewski is the ninth death sentence carried out in the state this year, a new recordA Florida man convicted of killing his wife and two children in 1994 became the ninth person to be put to death on Thursday in Florida this year, marking a state record for a single-year execution total since the restoration of the death penalty in the US decades ago.Edward Zakrzewski was pronounced dead at 6.12pm local time following a three-drug injection at Florida state prison near Starke. Continue reading...

Packaging mixup resulted in drinks labeled as Celsius energy drinks actually containing High Noon vodka seltzersAmericans have been advised that some packages of a brand of vodka seltzers have been mistakenly mislabeled as a non-alcoholic high energy drink, triggering a recall announcement from High Noon, the alcoholic beverage brand, that was posted by the the US Food and Drug Administration.In a statement, High Noon said two lots of High Noon Beach Variety 12-packs contain cans mislabeled as CELSIUS(R) ASTRO VIBE Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition". Continue reading...

Acclaimed playwright, director and artist was known for his opera Einstein on the Beach and many A-list collaborationsRobert Wilson, renowned theatre director, playwright and artist, has died at the age of 83.His death was confirmed by the Watermill Center, an arts hub Wilson founded in Water Mill, New York. He died peacefully after a brief but acute illness". Continue reading...

Freed British-Israeli accuses PM of moral failure' over move to recognise Palestine at UN unless Israel changes courseKeir Starmer has said he is listening to hostages taken by Hamas but still intends to recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel commits to a ceasefire and two-state solution.The prime minister said he had spoken to the freed British-Israeli Emily Damari, held hostage by Hamas for 471 days, after she accused him of moral failure" over the move to recognise Palestine as a state in September at the UN. Continue reading...

Comptroller general lodged two cases in country's supreme court after failed attempt to sell to consortiumPanama's comptroller general has lodged two cases with the country's supreme court against the owners of two ports at the centre of a geopolitical struggle between the US and China, in a move likely to be seen as a victory for Donald Trump in his attempt to rid the Panama canal of Chinese influence.The decision follows a failed attempt to sell the ports to a consortium headed by the US investment fund BlackRock and Swiss shipping firm MSC. Continue reading...

Singer says on social media living with disease can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically'Pop star Justin Timberlake has said he is suffering from Lyme disease, a serious illness usually contracted after being bitten by a tick and that has seen an upsurge in prevalence across a swathe of the US in recent years.In an Instagram post, the singer wrote: I've been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease - which I don't say so you feel bad for me - but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes." Continue reading...

Stephenson to take over at equality watchdog even though committees raised concerns about breadth of experienceMary-Ann Stephenson has been confirmed as the new chair of the equalities watchdog, after the government overruled the objections of parliament's equalities committee over her suitability for the job.Stephenson, the chair of the Women's Budget Group, will take on the role at the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in December. It includes responsibility for implementing guidance about transgender rights after the supreme court judgment on the definition of a woman. Continue reading...

Muhammad Zaher Ibrahim, 16, has been detained for five months on accusations of rock-throwing and has reportedly developed scabiesThe family of a 16-year-old dual American-Palestinian citizen is trying to secure his release from an Israeli prison where he has been held in detention for more than five months and where they say he has lost a significant amount of weight and developed a severe skin infection.Muhammad Zaher Ibrahim was still 15 when he was arrested at his family's home in the occupied West Bank village of Silwad in February. According to relatives, he was blindfolded and handcuffed before being taken to the Megiddo prison in Israel, where he remains in pre-trial detention accused of throwing rocks - accusations his family denies. Continue reading...

Reversal of curbs adopted the previous week comes as Russia attacks capital with drones and missilesUkraine's parliament has passed a law restoring independence to two anti-corruption bodies, essentially annulling another law adopted last week that prompted the biggest street protests since Russia's full-scale invasion three years ago.Several hundred protesters outside the parliament building in Kyiv erupted into chants of the people are the power" as the bill passed on Thursday lunchtime. Continue reading...

This live blog is now closed, you can read more on this story hereSyrian foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani said his country wants Russia by our side" and called for mutual respect" between the two nations following the overthrow of Syria's previous Moscow-backed government last year, AFP reports.The current period is full of various challenges and threats, but it is also an opportunity to build a united and strong Syria. And, of course, we are interested in having Russia by our side on this path," he told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov during a visit to Moscow, according to a Russian translation of his comments.The situation in Gaza is utterly deplorable, and Israel is not fulfilling its most basic obligations and agreed-upon commitments regarding humanitarian aid.Sweden therefore demands that the EU, as soon as possible, freezes the trade component of the association agreement. Economic pressure on Israel must increase. The Israeli government must allow unrestricted humanitarian aid in Gaza. Continue reading...

Working first with his wife Jane, and later with illustrators including Raymond Briggs and Bruce Ingman, he wrote more than 150 booksAuthor Allan Ahlberg, who delighted generations of children with colourful characters and nimble rhymes, has died aged 87.Working with his wife Janet, an award-winning illustrator, Ahlberg produced a host of bestselling nursery classics including Burglar Bill, Peepo!, and Each Peach Pear Plum. After Janet's death in 1994, he worked with illustrators such as Raymond Briggs and Bruce Ingman, with his career coming full circle in a series of collaborations with his daughter Jessica including Half a Pig and a pop-up set of anarchic variations on the tale of Goldilocks. Continue reading...

As ministers aim to smash' people-smuggling gangs, milestone passes almost a month earlier than previous record of 2022The number of people arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel in small boats has passed 25,000 faster this year than since records began.As ministers aim to smash the gangs" involved in people-smuggling, 898 people made the journey in 13 boats on Wednesday, bringing the total for 2025 so far to 25,436. Continue reading...

As a private developer plans to transform Dandenong with apartments, shops and offices, some say the preservation of the Indian shopping hub is at risk

At the party's state conference this weekend, members and unions will have their say. The question then becomes whether governments - federal and state - will listen

Exclusive: Asylum seekers say accessing mosquito nets impossible' amid warnings virus compounds pre-existing health conditions

The UN has called for a full ceasefire and for Israel to allow humanitarian aid in. Plus, Trump accused of direct attack' on Brazilian democracy over judge sanctionsGood morning.Aid workers have said Israel's new measures - meant to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza - fall far short of what is needed and aid access continues to be blocked amid the population's spiralling famine.How much aid is now needed? The number of aid trucks that have been entering Gaza since the new measures were announced has increased, with more than 200 trucks entering on Tuesday, according to Israeli customs authority (COGAT). But it falls far below the 500-600 trucks the UN has said is necessary to sustain the 2 million residents of Gaza.What did Harris say? I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their governor. ... But after deep reflection, I've decided that I will not run for governor in this election." Continue reading...

President says it is important the state listens to public opinion' as measure restores independence to two anti-corruption bodiesJust as expected (10:51, 11:19). Notably, 331 votes in favour, zero against.Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko just posted an update after overnight attacks on Kyiv, saying that the death toll from the strikes rose to eight as rescue efforts continue across several districts" of the capital. Continue reading...

Eight children at camp in Stathern, Leicestershire were taken to hospital as a precaution but were dischargedA 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison after eight children at a summer camp were taken to hospital.Police and ambulance crews were deployed to the rural camp in Stathern, Leicestershire, after a report that a number of children had said they were unwell. Continue reading...

Warning: this article contains graphic and distressing testimony and imagesResearch documents horrific and extreme' attacks by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces and warns that impunity has meant such atrocities are expanding to new regionsHundreds of health workers across Tigray have documented mass rape, sexual slavery, forced pregnancy and sexual torture of women and children by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers, in systematic attacks that amount to crimes against humanity, a new report has found.The research, compiled by Physicians for Human Rights and the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa (OJAH), represents the most comprehensive documentation yet of weaponised sexual violence in Tigray. It reviewed medical records of more than 500 patients, surveys of 600 health workers, and in-depth interviews with doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and community leaders. Continue reading...

Campaigners say passengers are being priced off railways as cost of cheaper advance fares surpasses government capRail fares rose by 5.1% across Great Britain over the last year, with cheaper advance fares increasing by almost double the rate of inflation, official data has shown.Campaigners said passengers were being priced off the railway after the price of tickets surpassed the government cap on regulated fares, which account for about half of rail journeys. Continue reading...

MoJ figures show 10,568 assaults on staff in the last year, while number of people dying in jail rose by almost a thirdAttacks on prison officers and the number of inmate deaths in England and Wales have soared to record levels according to official figures released on Thursday.Ministry of Justice statistics show there were 10,568 assaults on staff in jails between 24 April 2024 and 25 March - up 7% on the previous year. Continue reading...

Former Beauty and the Geek reality TV contestant Tamika Chesser was charged after body discovered in Port Lincoln in June

Public servants and private contractors with access to sensitive national security information are making it easy for spies, including by posting on LinkedIn, Mike Burgess will say in a speech

Earl's portrait of young drovers in central Queensland praised by judges for beautiful insight into reality of life in rural Australia'

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David James, 26, was arrested in late 2024 and charged with 13 offences but details not revealed until now due to court non-publication order

Majority of rough sleepers using site near light rail stop are women, who find it safer due to CCTV cameras and public location

Peta urges UK business secretary to update regulations so wool is no longer grouped under textile'British consumers trying to avoid animal-derived products are being misled by unclear footwear labelling, a leading animal rights charity has said.Under current legislation in the UK, all footwear must be labelled to show the main materials - at least 80% - used in the upper, lining and sock, and outer sole. Continue reading...

In today's newsletter: Years of preparation and global coordination ensured communities from Japan to Hawaii were not caught off guardGood morning. Yesterday one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded hit a sparsely populated region in far east Russia.It triggered a tsunami that started crossing the ocean at hundreds of miles an hour. What followed was a race against time - early warning systems went into alert mode as waves fanned out towards the coastlines of Japan, Hawaii and the US west coast.Travel | The head of the UK's air traffic control company is facing calls to resign after hundreds of flights were delayed when the system went down for about 20 minutes on Wednesday.Israel-Gaza war | A British-Israeli woman who was held hostage by Hamas for more than 15 months has accused Keir Starmer of moral failure" after he set the UK on course to recognise a Palestinian state. Emily Damari, 29, who was released in January, said the prime minister was not standing on the right side of history" and should be ashamed.UK news | The co-founder of Palestine Action can bring a legal challenge to the home secretary's decision to ban the direct action group under anti-terrorism laws, a high court judge has ruled.Environment | Ethnic minorities and people living in the most deprived areas of England are at increased risk of dying due to excess heat, according to new research.Technology | Five million extra online age checks a day are being carried out in the UK since the Online Safety Act introduced age-gating for pornography sites, according to new data from the Age Verification Providers Association. Continue reading...

South Korea has experienced a record-breaking streak of tropical nights', while Japan saw its hottest day on record on ThursdayAuthorities in Japan and South Korea have urged people to take precautions to prevent heatstroke, as the region reels from record-breaking temperatures and pressure on hospitals.On Thursday, South Korea's meteorological office said the country had experienced a record-breaking streak of tropical nights" for 22 consecutive days this month. Continue reading...

The lawyer and activist who helped lead the Australian civil rights movement changed the lives of Aboriginal people across the nation'

Hard drive of audio recordings of witnesses and Lehrmann, copies of statements and videos destroyed by police, defence solicitor says